Insulin Resistance is a condition that involves a decrease in the sensitivity of the body’s Cells to the actions of Insulin (i.e. a decrease in Insulin Sensitivity). Insulin Resistance is characterized by decreased sensitivity of Insulin Receptors for Insulin. This lack of sensitivity to the effects of Insulin results in ever-increasing production of Insulin, to the extent that dangerously high levels of Insulin can occur.

Prevalence references

25% of the population of the United States has Insulin Resistance (presumably this statistic would apply also to most other Western nations): - 6.7% of persons aged 20 - 29 have Insulin Resistance. - 43.5% of persons aged 60 - 70 have Insulin Resistance.

Green Tea may help to prevent and alleviate Insulin Resistance (by lowering elevated Blood Sugar levels, by inhibiting the absorption of dietary Glucose and by increasing the activity of Insulin). references

It has been suggested that supplemental Glucosamine may increase the risk of Insulin Resistance: references

However the studies that have suggested that Glucosamine increases Insulin Resistance have used intravenously-administered Glucosamine at doses that far exceed the amount of Glucosamine used in oral supplements.

There are no human case reports of Glucosamine supplementation causing Insulin Resistance.

An animal study has demonstrated that Glucosamine does NOT cause Insulin Resistance.

Hormones

Excessive production of Cortisol may cause Insulin Resistance in the Muscles. references

Exogenous Estrogens may increase the risk of Insulin Resistance in postmenopasual women using Estrogens as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy. references

Excessive endogenous production or release of Insulin may cause Insulin Resistance (via a negative feedback mechanism).

Insulin Resistance may result in elevated serum Cholesterol levels: references

Insulin Resistance may result in low HDL Cholesterol levels. references

Insulin Resistance is a symptom of and is the primary feature of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. references

Insulin Resistance may be the underlying cause of Fatigue.

Insulin Resistance may cause the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) form of Fatty Liver. references

Insulin Resistance may cause Obesity (in the presence of Insulin Resistance excessive serum Glucose (Blood Sugar) is converted to Adipose Tissue (body Fat) rather than being utilized by the body’s Cells for the endogenous production of Energy). references

Insulin Resistance may result in elevated serum Triglycerides levels. references

Nervous System

Insulin Resistance may cause poor Concentration ability. Depression may occur as a result of Insulin Resistance (due to the excessive production of Cortisol). references

Insulin Resistance may cause Memory impairment. references

Sexual System

Insulin Resistance may cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (there is some evidence that Insulin Resistance is the principal underlying cause of PCOS): references

The elevated production of Insulin that occurs during Insulin Resistance affects the Ovaries, preventing ovulation and causing an increase in Androgens (especially Testosterone) levels. These elevated Androgens levels are an integral factor in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Approximately 30% of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are afflicted with Insulin Resistance.